How often do you have the opportunity to camp on a farm, in the middle of a state forest with fresh bread and pizzas baked on site. And did I mention they make award winning gelato?
Originally from Germany, founder, Maria Rickert has worked hard to make their 13 000 acre property in the Pilliga a destination.
“Our farm has 70 km bushwalking tracks – it was a lot of effort. We offer pottery classes for all age groups – from handsculpted pottery to wheel workshops.”
She said the drought has been tough on their family run enterprise, with only 20% of their stock left. “We’ve sold our animals – there’s not enough water or food. My sons are volunteer firefighters – so they have been away from the property (Johannes and Bernhard and wives all work on Barkala) – first here, then to others as well.
“We’re trying to make a living – there’s just not enough firefighters – they are always on call… my boys both went to the Hunter Valley to help.
“We rely completely on tourists to come here and participate in workshops or stay the night, it goes back into employing people.”
And there’s plenty to do: swim in the pool, artist demonstrations all day long, play with clay sessions, excellent star gazing with their ‘Dark Sky’ nights or book in for bird watching.
“Animal feeding is very popular for kids and depending on the season, you can watch milking and horse leading.”
The Blue Wren Bush Cafe is licenced and open seven days, 8am to 8pm as well as wood-fired pizza. They also provide authentic German meals, and cater for gluten-free and vegan visitors.
Their wholesome meals are made from local products with vegetables and honey from the farm, “People come from afar to eat our gelato, we sell it to other towns,” said Maria.
Pilliga is a vast forest – 5,000 square kilometres of woodland; you can explore the ancient Sandstone Caves and Sculptures in the Scrub.
In addition to the camping ground, they have five eco-friendly guest houses – even the air conditioners are solar powered!
The property is pet friendly (conditions apply) with toilets, showers and BBQ.
Turn west off the Newell Highway, between Coonabarabran and Narrabri into Borambitty Road, follow the signs 11 km.
BOOK IN ON: 02 6842 2239.
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